Section 1

Adds newly defined term, school walk zone (an area within a school zone, identified by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that is likely to sustain pedestrian traffic sufficient to render the speed limits designated in GS 20-141 unsafe) to GS 20-4.01 (definitions pertaining to the DMV). 

Amends GS 20-141.1 (speed limits in school zones and now, school walk zones) to require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to annually consult with the governing body of each public school unit and certain nonpublic school units to designate school walk zones that include (1) speed limits lower than the general speed limits set forth in GS 20-141 and (2) ensuring appropriate actions are taken to effectuate the reduced speed limit. Makes technical, organizational, and conforming changes. Now specifies that the penalties in this statute apply unless the conduct at issue is covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment. Makes it Class 3 misdemeanor to drive a motor vehicle in a school zone or school walk zone without due care and resulting in injury to a minor. Amends GS 20-173 (concerning pedestrians’ right-of-way at crosswalks) to specify that, unless covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment, a person who drives a motor vehicle in a school zone or school walk zone at a speed greater than the speed limit set and posted under this section is responsible for an infraction and is required to pay a penalty of $250; makes it a Class 3 if injury to a minor results. Effective December 1, 2024, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Section 2

Establishes the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Fund (Fund) as a special fund within DOT to support pedestrian safety initiatives. Appropriates $10 million from the Highway Fund to DOT in nonrecurring funds for fiscal year 2024-25 to be allocated to the Fund for the three purposes and the amounts specified in the act. Effective July 1, 2024.